SPRINGFIELD — The Rev. Richard M. Simpson, rector of St. Francis’s Episcopal Church in Holden for 15 years, and a Worcester resident, will now serve in the position of canon to the Right Rev. Douglas Fisher, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts.

As a “Canon to the Ordinary,” Simpson will undertake tasks assigned by the diocesan bishop. Christ Church is the cathedral for the diocese.

“Among his many gifts, Rich brings spiritual depth, extensive experience in parish and campus ministry, creativity and a sense of humor to a demanding ministry,” said Fisher of the appointment in a release.

“I am blessed that he said ‘Yes’ to my invitation to join our staff. I look forward to working as a team with Rich for the sake of the Gospel for many years to come.”

Before taking the position in Holden in 1998, Simpson served for eight years in the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut; four as associate rector at Christ and Holy Trinity Church in Westport, and four as the Protestant campus minister at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.

A native of Pennsylvania, Simpson was born and raised in the United Methodist Church, and holds an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in D.C., a master’s of divinity degree from Drew Theological School in Madison, N.J., a master’s degree in theology from Princeton Theological (N.J.) Seminary and a doctor of ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga.

He and his wife, Hathy, live, have two adult sons, Graham and James. Simpson writes a blog on contemporary faith called “Rich’s Ruminations” at: http://rmsimpson.blogspot.com/

In a recent blog, “Awaiting Another Voice,” he wrote about his new position:

“People have asked me if I will keep blogging. The answer is yes, I hope so. But what is changing for me is the context of my ministry. While there will be some continuity, I know that working in a diocesan ministry will be different from parish ministry; which means that my questions will be evolving. I’ll still be preaching a fair amount, but I’ll be in different congregations each week.

“ I expect to continue to post sermons (or portions of them) to this blog. In between, I will be continuing to try to reflect on what it means to be a follower of Jesus in this time and place. As all of this unfolds, I am reminded of T. S. Eliot’s words in “Little Gidding”:

‘For last year’s words belong to last year’s language / And next year’s words await another voice.’

I hope that readers of this blog will ‘bear with me’ as I seek to find that new voice.”